Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (Jan 2022)

Exploring the Feasibility of a Virtual, Home-Based MusicGlove® Protocol for Children with Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy

  • Tiana Nguyen,
  • Lisa Choromanski,
  • Tatiana Kreuzer,
  • Jamie Stroppini

DOI
https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1836
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 1
pp. 1 – 15

Abstract

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Background: The MusicGlove® as an occupational therapy intervention has been shown to improve upper limb function and satisfaction over conventional therapies for adults who have had a stroke, however, its effectiveness with children who have cerebral palsy has not been examined. The purpose of this research was to explore the feasibility of a virtual, home-based MusicGlove® protocol to increase upper extremity function, quality of life, and internal motivation in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Method: Three participants, ages 6 to 16, diagnosed with hemiparetic cerebral palsy participated in 23 guided sessions using the home-based MusicGlove protocol over 5 weeks. Functional outcomes, quality of life, and intrinsic motivation were measured using the ABILHAND-Kids, Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life, and Intrinsic Motivation Inventory. Results: Two participants had an increase in percentages of notes hit (13%­­–20%) following the MusicGlove® intervention. All three participants rated the MusicGlove® as being of value/usefulness and two reported interest/enjoyment in using the MusicGlove®. All three participants and their caregivers reported an increase in quality of life and decrease in perceived difficulty of daily activities. Conclusion: The virtual, home-based MusicGlove® protocol may be a feasible intervention to improve hand function for children diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

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